Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho at the presentation of the 31 measures to boost the security of the National Electricity System, Lisbon, 28 July 2025 (Tiago Petinga/Lusa)
Portugal has announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at significantly improving the resilience and security of its national electricity system. Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho presented the plan in Lisbon on July 28, emphasizing that while a blackout is not expected, the country is now better prepared to face such events. The initiative, which outlines 31 targeted actions, focuses on five key areas: grid resilience, strategic planning, renewable energy acceleration, critical infrastructure readiness, and international cooperation.
A central element of the strategy involves doubling the number of black start power stations from two to four by January, adding Baixo Sabor and Alqueva to the existing Tapada do Outeiro and Castelo de Bode facilities. A €137 million investment will fund modernization efforts to enhance grid operation and control systems. The government also plans to launch a 750 MVA battery storage auction by January 2026 and offer €25 million in support for hospitals, utilities, and other critical services to improve emergency response capabilities.
Additional measures include revising the Zones of Great Demand model to spur economic activity, increasing compensation to municipalities hosting renewable projects, and mandating local community involvement. A new “Green Map” will identify pre-approved zones for clean energy development, speeding up environmental approvals. The government also aims to simplify rules for self-consumption and energy communities.
On the international front, Portugal is working closely with Spain to prioritize stronger EU-wide grid interconnections, particularly with France. Minister Carvalho highlighted Spain’s recent loan from the European Investment Bank to advance this goal as a tangible result of this cooperation.
Marking three months since the April 28 blackout that began in Spain, Carvalho assured that, despite the ongoing investigation, Portugal’s electricity system remains robust and reliable.